Recaps

After the Third Mizukage’s disappearance was confirmed, Yagura announced he had become the Fourth Mizukage and called for a Five Kage Summit. Konoha prepared to attend cautiously, while the Third Kazekage and Rasa saw the summit as a chance to confront Konoha over the burden of their agreement.

• Sarutobi Hiruzen told Konoha’s leaders that intelligence indicated the Third Mizukage had vanished and that Yagura Karatachi was likely to become Fourth Mizukage.
• Orochimaru described Yagura’s strength, and Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered Konoha ninja to avoid clashes with Kirigakure.
• A letter confirmed the Third Mizukage’s disappearance and announced Yagura’s appointment as Fourth Mizukage and his proposal for a Five Kage Summit.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen decided Konoha would attend the summit and strengthen its coastal defenses, despite Danzo’s warning of a possible attack.
• In Sunagakure, the Third Kazekage and Rasa mocked the Mizukage’s disappearance and discussed using the summit to settle their grievances with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The Five Kage gathered in the Land of Iron, where Yagura accused Konoha and Uchiha Chen of murdering the Third Mizukage. The Third Hokage rejected the accusation and countered with accusations of his own, leaving the summit in tense silence.

• The five Kage and their guards arrived in the Land of Iron for the reopened Five Kage Summit.
• Yagura accused the Third Hokage of knowing about the Third Mizukage’s disappearance and demanded that Konoha hand over Uchiha Chen, citing Suigetsu’s testimony.
• The Third Raikage and Ōnoki argued that Chen could have killed the Third Mizukage, while the Third Hokage insisted Chen had stayed in Konoha.
• The Third Hokage suggested Roshi might have killed the Third Mizukage and mocked Yagura for accepting a Rogue Ninja’s testimony without evidence.
• The Third Hokage warned the other Kage against overstepping and implied that Yagura might be the son of a ramen seller, leaving the room silent.

At the Five Kage Summit, the Third Kazekage challenged Konoha’s harsh postwar treaty and demanded access to the Land of Fire’s mineral deposits, but the Third Hokage refused. The four other villages declared war, and news of a Hidden Mist surprise attack confirmed that the Third Great Ninja War had begun.

• The Third Kazekage outlined the unequal treaty imposed on Hidden Sand, Iwagakure, and the Land of Rain, then proposed replacing it and granting Sand access to Fire Country’s mineral deposits.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen tore up the Kazekage’s map and refused his demands, prompting the Five Kage to clash briefly with their auras before withdrawing.
• The Mizukage, Third Raikage, Ōnoki, and Third Kazekage each declared war on Konoha, and Sarutobi Hiruzen vowed to fight them.
• After the summit, Sarutobi Hiruzen admitted to Orochimaru and Sakumo that his harsh treaties had helped bring war back so soon.
• Orochimaru received an urgent message reporting a Hidden Mist surprise attack, and Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered Konoha’s shinobi recalled and Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Chen summoned home.

Uchiha Chen returned to Konoha as the Great Ninja War loomed and told Sarutobi Hiruzen that he had mastered senjutsu. After reviewing the four villages’ movements, Hiruzen assigned Chen to lead troops to the Land of Wind battlefield and urged him to defeat Hidden Sand Village quickly.

• Uchiha Chen left Konoha’s departing troops and met with Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was astonished to learn Chen had mastered senjutsu.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen told Chen that the Third Mizukage had disappeared and explained that Hidden Mist, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Stone had begun deploying forces while Hidden Cloud was still waiting.
• Uchiha Chen learned that Hidden Sand’s thousand-strong vanguard, led by Rasa, had reached the border of the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers amid internal conflict in Sunagakure.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen explained that Danzo was negotiating with Hanzō while rogue-ninja mercenary groups operated in the Land of Rain.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered Uchiha Chen and Jiraiya to lead separate forces, with the remaining troops heading to the Land of Wind battlefield.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen urged Uchiha Chen to defeat Hidden Sand Village quickly because Konoha could not afford a prolonged war against several great nations.

Chen and Mikoto accompanied Jiraiya as they escorted Konoha intelligence shinobi toward the borders of other nations, then joined Jiraiya’s group to head for the Land of Wind battlefield. The chapter ended as they entered the main battlefield.

• Chen and Mikoto met Jiraiya at Konoha’s gates, where he explained that they would escort intelligence shinobi to the borders before reinforcing the Land of Wind.
• Jiraiya warned the intelligence shinobi not to trust anyone or ask about one another’s missions, and the group departed Konoha.
• Chen explained to Mikoto that the intelligence shinobi needed an escort because most were only Chunin-level and could not survive encounters with much stronger enemies.
• Three days later, Chen and Jiraiya split the intelligence shinobi into groups and sent them into several major nations.
• Chen’s group rested near the Land of Grass border, reunited with Jiraiya and the others, and entered the Land of Wind.

Chen and Jiraiya reached Konoha’s camp on the Land of Wind frontier, where Orochimaru briefed them on the war and assigned Chen and Mikoto a mission to intercept a Sand shinobi unit. Afterward, Chen reunited with Minato at the camp’s lodging area.

• Sunagakure chose to fight near the Land of Wind, using the desert and Konoha’s long supply lines to its advantage.
• Chen, Jiraiya, and Mikoto arrived at Konoha’s camp and waited for Orochimaru’s strategy meeting to end.
• Orochimaru praised Chen’s growth and told Jiraiya he could help manage the camp as deputy commander.
• Orochimaru ordered Chen and Mikoto to eliminate a Sand shinobi surprise attack unit before it reached its base.
• Chen and Mikoto found Minato waiting at the lodging area, and Chen embraced his old friend.

Chen and Mikoto arrived at the Land of Wind battlefield and set out on an ambush mission against a Sunagakure squad. Chen activated Sage Mode and prepared to eliminate the three enemies quickly, eager to test his power.

• Minato welcomed Chen and Mikoto to the camp, while the other members of their group served on different fronts or stayed in the village.
• Chen and Mikoto received their mission briefing and traveled to a canyon where a Sunagakure squad was expected to pass.
• Chen’s snakes confirmed that the enemy squad consisted of a Quasi-Kage-level Jonin and two Elite Jonin, one apparently a puppet master.
• Chen entered Sage Mode, told Mikoto to remain hidden, and prepared to attack the squad.

Uchiha Chen ambushed three Sunagakure shinobi in a valley and used Sage Mode to overwhelm them. After killing two and incapacitating the third with Genjutsu, he approached the last surviving enemy.

• Uchiha Chen confronted the three Sunagakure shinobi and killed their Puppet Master before they could retreat.
• Chen evaded the squad's Earth Release attacks and kicked the Taijutsu captain through the valley rubble, cracking his Sand Armor.
• Chen fought the captain with Taijutsu, shattered his Sand Armor again, and killed him with Snake Kata.
• Chen revealed that the remaining Sunagakure shinobi had fallen under Genjutsu and walked toward him.

Chen and Mikoto infiltrated Sunagakure’s camp by controlling a surviving sand shinobi and disguising themselves as members of his squad. They reached the headquarters and found Rasa there, leaving Chen to consider whether to kill him.

• Chen used his Sharingan Genjutsu to control a surviving sand shinobi, then sealed away the two corpses with a scroll.
• Chen and Mikoto used Transformation Jutsu to impersonate the dead sand shinobi and traveled with their controlled guide to Sunagakure’s camp.
• The trio entered the camp without drawing suspicion, and Chen posed as Senra, a powerful, taciturn leader.
• Chen and Mikoto went to Sunagakure’s main tent and found Rasa alone among the documents and supply lists.
• Chen recognized the young Rasa and wondered whether they should kill him.

Uchiha Chen and Mikoto infiltrated the Sand shinobi camp, where Senra agreed to defend Cloud Peak Canyon against Konoha’s planned assault. Chen explained why Konoha needed to destroy the canyon and advance toward Kikyō Pass, then sent the intelligence he had gathered to Orochimaru.

• Rasa showed Senra the map and asked him to defend Cloud Peak Canyon from Konoha’s attack planned for two days later.
• Rasa arranged fighters and lodging for Senra, Mikoto, and Chen at the Sand shinobi camp.
• Chen coached Mikoto on how to sit and act like the man she was impersonating.
• Chen explained that Konoha needed to destroy Cloud Peak Canyon to protect its supply route and advance toward Kikyō Pass.
• Chen summoned Big White and sent a sealed Scroll of intelligence to Orochimaru.

Chen led a disguised force of 150 Sunagakure ninjas toward Cloud Peak Canyon, where their position could threaten Konoha’s flank and rear. During a rest stop, Sunagakure Genin asked whether Senra could keep them safe from Konoha, and Chen recognized that he might have to kill them in the coming battle.

• Chen noted Sunagakure’s poverty and the poor food available to its ninjas.
• After Rasa signed the mission document, Chen, disguised as Senra, led 150 Sunagakure ninjas toward Cloud Peak Canyon while Mikoto asked whether Konoha had sent any news.
• Chen considered the strategic value of Cloud Peak Canyon and Rasa’s willingness to sacrifice its defenders to inflict heavy losses on Konoha.
• During a rest stop, Chen joined the Genin and offered to teach them techniques, following Senra’s reputation as a mentor.
• A Sunagakure girl asked Chen whether Senra could protect them if Konoha attacked, and Chen touched her forehead while reflecting that they might die by his hand.

Chen took command of Sunagakure’s defenses at Cloud Peak Canyon and prepared for Konoha’s approaching forces. As Konoha stopped short of the canyon, Chen detonated a Mutual Exploding Tag planted among the sand shinobi.

• Chen ordered the sand shinobi to spread out and watch for Konoha ninja climbing into the Valley.
• Chen told Mikoto that ninja could not afford sympathy as he considered the canyon’s defenses.
• Sunagakure’s scouts spotted Konoha’s forces approaching, and Senra calmed the anxious Genin.
• Chen’s real body withdrew with Mikoto while his Shadow Clone directed the sand shinobi operating their weapons.
• Konoha halted outside attack range, and Chen detonated the Mutual Exploding Tag among the sand shinobi.

Chen and Mikoto destroyed Cloud Peak Canyon and eliminated Sunagakure’s forces guarding it, allowing Minato’s Konoha troops to advance. Minato and Shikaku reunited with Chen as the force prepared to move behind Sunagakure’s base.

• Minato ordered Shikaku to command the troops while he entered the dust cloud to investigate the explosions.
• Chen stopped the Mutual Exploding Tags and sent twenty Shadow Clones and Mikoto to kill the surviving sand shinobi.
• Chen and Mikoto finished off Sunagakure’s three-hundred-man force as Minato discovered the canyon had been blasted open.
• Minato accepted Chen’s explanation, signaled the Konoha troops to advance, and led them through the canyon.
• Shikaku reunited with Chen and discussed his secret mission while the force prepared to drive behind Sunagakure’s base.

After completing their mission at Cloud Peak Canyon, Chen and Mikoto returned to the Konoha camp and reported to Orochimaru. Mikoto then created a Genjutsu Space with Chen’s help so they could continue practicing, leaving her rapid growth tied to their simulated battles.

• Chen and Mikoto parted from Minato’s group and returned to the Konoha camp after taking Cloud Peak Canyon.
• Chen reported that the three hundred sand shinobi and Senra’s surprise attack squad had been dealt with, and Orochimaru told them to rest and submit a written report.
• Chen finished his mission report while Mikoto entered his tent and challenged him to a Genjutsu battle.
• Mikoto drew Chen into a Genjutsu Space, and Chen reinforced it with Chakra so they could fight without real injuries.
• The narration explained that repeated Genjutsu battles had helped Mikoto improve until her strength rivaled Minato’s.

Chen joined Orochimaru’s strategy meeting, where Konoha’s forces prepared a decisive assault on the Hidden Sand camp. The vanguard broke through the camp’s outer wall, and Sakumo charged into the enemy ranks ahead of Chen.

• Orochimaru announced that Minato Namikaze and Nara Shikaku’s surprise attack force had reached its destination and assigned Chen and Sakumo to the vanguard.
• Chen and Sakumo reunited after the meeting, and Mikoto joined them before the attack began.
• The Konoha vanguard charged across the open desert as the Hidden Sand forces spotted them and launched kunai, shuriken, and Ninjutsu.
• Chen used Shadow Clones and a summoning to smash a gap in the camp’s outer wall.
• Sakumo rushed through the breach and attacked the sand shinobi, while Chen hesitated briefly before following.

Chen fought through Sunagakure’s breached defenses, using his Sharingan, Genjutsu, and taijutsu to cut down the Sand Shinobi. He left the battlefield strewn with fallen enemies as the melee continued.

• Chen summoned a giant Blue Snake to smash through Sunagakure’s defenses, then recalled it before the Sand Shinobi could attack it.
• Chen charged into the stronghold and shattered the ground with Heavenly Foot of Pain, blasting back the Sand Shinobi surrounding him.
• Chen dodged incoming Kunai, returned them toward their attackers, and continued killing enemies as he advanced.
• Chen used Genjutsu to stop a Sunagakure Jonin, then used the Jonin’s body to block a fireball before taking up his broadsword.
• Chen broke another Jonin’s Kunai and killed him, then used Genjutsu and the Body Flicker Technique to cut down nearby Sand Shinobi.

Uchiha Chen carved through the Sunagakure forces before confronting Rasa and discovering that Pakura and Karura had joined the fight. He challenged the three of them to attack together, leaving the battle poised for their clash.

• Uchiha Chen slaughtered Sunagakure ninja with his sword and Sharingan Genjutsu, forcing them to flee around him.
• Rasa attacked Chen with Gold Sand, while Chen taunted him and recognized that the Rasa he faced was a Sand Clone.
• Chen created a Shadow Clone to draw Rasa into a trap while his real body hid underground, but Rasa's attack was aimed at the clone.
• Pakura's Scorch Release destroyed Chen's Shadow Clone, but Chen appeared behind her and dodged her counterattack.
• Chen identified Rasa, Pakura, and Karura as the Sunagakure trio targeting him, then challenged all three to attack together.

Chen activated Snake Sage Mode using stored Sage Chakra and turned the tide against Rasa, Pakura, and Karura. He left the battlefield having overwhelmed Pakura’s Scorch Release, while Orochimaru recognized Sage Mode and became eager to study it.

• Chen opened three Seal Scrolls to activate Snake Sage Mode and sensed Rasa hiding underground.
• Chen struck the ground with Chidori Sharp Spear, blasting Rasa into the air and nearly killing him.
• Pakura used Scorch Release: Blazing River Eruption to attack Chen, while Karura’s Puppet rescued Rasa with metal wires.
• Chen used Sage Art: Water Release: Severing Wave to overwhelm Pakura’s flames and carve a vast circular platform into the ground.
• Orochimaru realized Chen was using Sage Mode and grew excited to investigate it.

Chen defeated Rasa’s Gold Dust attacks and broke his left arm, but Karura and the returning Pakura intervened, allowing Rasa to escape. Chen then turned toward the distant battlefield after realizing Konoha had won the war.

• Chen dodged Rasa’s ambush and saw through his Sand Clones, while Rasa used Gold Dust to trap him.
• Rasa unleashed Gold Dust Tsunami, but Chen escaped the storm with Sage Art: Wind Release: Rasengan Shuriken.
• Chen broke Rasa’s left arm and decided to keep him alive as a prisoner, but Karura attacked to protect him.
• Pakura returned and used Karura’s Puppet to bind Rasa, while Chen reflected Karura’s Genjutsu and knocked her unconscious.
• Rasa escaped while Chen refrained from pursuing him and charged toward the battlefield, where Konoha had won the war.

After Konoha’s decisive victory over Sunagakure, Orochimaru praised Chen and considered how to build his disciple’s prestige for the future. In his underground laboratory, Orochimaru became interested in using Uchiha Fugaku for Mangekyo Sharingan research, while Chen warned him that Fugaku might have awakened the Mangekyo.

• Konoha defeated Sunagakure in a six-day war, and Orochimaru held back from attacking the Sand Village’s fortress while his forces recovered.
• Orochimaru used Chen’s battlefield achievements to raise his reputation, hoping Chen would eventually become a commander and gain political influence.
• Orochimaru dissected a Sunagakure shinobi implanted with one of Uchiha Yama’s Mangekyo Sharingan and lamented his lack of Uchiha test subjects.
• Orochimaru suggested that Chen let him eliminate Uchiha Fugaku on the battlefield so he could use him for research.
• Chen agreed but warned that Fugaku might have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, which only made Orochimaru more eager to capture him alive.

Chen demonstrated Sage Mode to Orochimaru and gave him a sealed scroll of Sage Chakra to aid his research. Orochimaru revealed that the Second Hokage had extensively researched the Sharingan, while Chen accepted that Orochimaru would need Danzo’s help to obtain those records.

• Chen entered Sage Mode and demonstrated how it strengthened his elemental Ninjutsu for Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru drew Chen’s blood for research and explained that he wanted to develop a safer Sage Mode method suited to humans.
• Chen gave Orochimaru a scroll containing extracted Sage Chakra, and Orochimaru praised his sealing skills.
• Orochimaru said the Second Hokage’s research documents included extensive Sharingan studies and admitted he needed more time to pursue his research and direct the war.
• Chen inferred that Danzo was supplying Orochimaru with the sealed research and decided that Orochimaru’s dealings with Danzo were necessary.

The Third Kazekage decided to release Garaga, Sunagakure’s imprisoned One-Tail Jinchuriki, to help the village survive its costly war against Konoha. After learning Garaga could briefly control Tailed Beast Transformation, he ordered the cage opened and called the Council of Elders to unite the village.

• The Third Kazekage reflected on Sunagakure’s losses and blamed the First Kazekage’s refusal to acquire another Tailed Beast for leaving the village short of power.
• The Third Kazekage visited Garaga, who had been imprisoned for years after becoming the One-Tail Jinchuriki, and explained that the village needed his help in the war.
• Garaga asked if the Third Kazekage would free him, and the Third Kazekage agreed in exchange for his help.
• The Third Kazekage learned that Garaga could briefly enter Tailed Beast Transformation and ordered the Sealing Squad to open his cage.
• The Third Kazekage sent a ninja to gather the Council of Elders and declared that Sunagakure must end its internal strife and unite against its enemies.

Rasa faced the Council of Elders over Sunagakure’s devastating battlefield losses, while the Third Kazekage maneuvered to protect him and secure support by promising to step down after the war. Rasa was removed as commander and assigned to the vanguard, where he would fight Konoha’s forces.

• Rasa blamed the defeat on Senra’s refusal to reinforce Cloud Peak Canyon as the elders argued over their conflicting battlefield orders.
• The elders accused Rasa of fleeing, but the Third Kazekage defended him and argued that his Magnet Release was needed on the battlefield.
• Chiyo proposed removing Rasa as commander and assigning him to the vanguard, and Ebizo and the Third Kazekage’s allies supported her.
• The Third Kazekage promised to step down after the war, winning enough support for the council to set aside Rasa’s punishment.
• Rasa’s demotion was approved, and the Third Kazekage privately resolved to deal with the clans on the battlefield.

The Third Kazekage secured approval to send most of Sunagakure’s forces and Garaga to the front lines, while Sasori worked in isolation on puppets and accepted a request to fit a shinobi with a puppet arm. Sasori revealed that he had killed his former teacher and had no intention of attending the funeral.

• The Third Kazekage convinced the elders that Sunagakure could defend itself with thirty percent of its shinobi and won their approval to deploy seventy percent against Konoha.
• The elders agreed that Garaga would accompany the Third Kazekage to the front lines.
• Kogumo visited Sasori, praised his completed puppets, and asked him to make a puppet arm for an injured teammate; Sasori accepted.
• Kogumo reminded Sasori that their former teacher’s funeral was the next day, but Sasori said he might attend only if he had time and did not want to see their former classmates.
• After Kogumo left, Sasori revealed that he had killed the teacher and dismissed the idea of attending the funeral.

Chiyo visited Sasori in his workshop and learned that he intended to avenge his parents but rejected her plan for him to become the Fourth Kazekage. Sasori privately resolved to kill those he blamed and devote himself to eternity.

• Chiyo met Kogumo carrying Puppets made by Sasori and learned Sasori had been crafting lifelike Puppet arms.
• Chiyo visited Sasori and discovered he knew she was going to the battlefield to avenge Toya and Gin.
• Sasori warned Chiyo not to confront Konoha's White Fang and claimed he would avenge his parents himself.
• Chiyo told Sasori the Third Kazekage had agreed to support him as the Fourth Kazekage, but Sasori refused the position.
• After Chiyo left, Sasori named Konoha's White Fang, the Third Kazekage, and Konoha Lightning as targets, then vowed to devote himself to eternity.